SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CHARGED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18616, 11 July 1930, Page 9

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CHARGED.

AMAZING NEGLECT OF CHILDREN. United Press Association—By Electric Tel egr aph—Copy r 1 gh t LONDON, July 8. That one child died from pneumonia following measles, and nine others suffered from ringworm and eczema owing to neglect, is the allegation against Mrs Hilda Fearn, principal of the Merevale High School, Bickley, made by the Society for* the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Nine children, aged five to nine, with bandaged heads, appeared in Court when the case began. The Prosecutor said Fearn did not call a doctor to the measles cases, because, on her own statement, she owed him money, and her cheque had been dishonoured. When a doctor ultimately did call, he did not see Veronica Budd, who eventually died, until it was too late. He then found three more cases of measles, and suggested that a nurse would be necessary, but none was employed. Budd’s parents had previously been told that she was quite well, although she was suffering from measles. The Society’s officials found the child suffering from measles, and practically starving. Eight others were afflicted with ringworm. One girl, of five, was bald. The nurses who were called in later gave evidence that Budd’s bed was too short, and the room was disgustingly dirty. The case was adjourned.